Shape retaining device for neckties



Nov. 1, 1932.

E. N. PETTIT, JR

SHAPE RETAINING DEVICE FOR NECKTIES Filed Nov; 27. 1931 Inventor E E9 (f1 Patented Nov. 1, 1932 PATENT OFFICE ERNEST N. PETTIT, JR., OF LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS SHAPE RETAINING DEVICE FOR NEGKTIES Application filed November 27, 1931.

The object of this invention is to provide means for securing a tie, and more particularly a four-in-hand tie in shape while the same is being worn.

A still further object of the invention is to provide means for maintaining in a substantially stretched condition the front and rear scarf portions of a four-in-hand tie while the same is knotted as wouldbe the case when the tie is Worn and properly positioned about the neck.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a device for the purpose above mentioned which will be entirely concealed from view, and which is of simple construction and design, can be sold at a nominal price, and is otherwise well adapted for the purpose designed. i

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from a study of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing wherein:

Figure 1 is a plan view of the knotted portion of a four-in-hand tie showing the application of my invention.

Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view through the structure shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a plan view of the tie shape retaining device per se.

With reference more in detail to the drawing it will be seen that the device is preferably stamped from a single length of metal or other suitable preferable ductile material. The shape of the device is preferably that of a T and includes a head portion 5 and a shank portion 6 which extends from the head portion 5 intermediate the ends of the latter and from one edge thereof. As shown in Figure 3, the head portion 5 has oppositely tapered ends 6 presenting at the lower or free longitudinal edge thereof a convex edge 7. The shank 6 is relatively short and tapers longitudinally gradually increasingin width as it approaches the head 5.

As shown in Figure 2, the shank 6 curves Serial No. 577,694.

slightly away from or is offset from the plane of the plate 5, and the plate 5 is preferably curved or bowed slightly longitudinally.

)n one face thereof, preferably and what may be termed the front face, the head 5 adjacent each end edge thereof and adjacent the edge 7 intermediate the ends of the plate is provided with a pair of tie engaging prongs 8. On the opposite or rear face thereof adjacent the edge 7 and slightly below the prongs 8 adjacent said edge is provided a second pair of prongs 9 as shown in Figure 2.

In actual practice the tie 4: is placed about the neck and tied in the usual manner. The form or shape retaining device has the shank 6 inserted upwardly into the knot 4a of the tie, placing the head portion 5 between the front and rear scarf portions 46, 4c of the tie. The scarf portions 46, 40 are then straightened laterally without undue stretching and the prongs 8 and 9 are forced into penetrating engagement with the scarf portions 45, 40 as shown in Figure 2 thereby retaining the portions of the scarf 4 0, 40 adjacent the knot 4a in properly stretched or smooth condition thus obviating wrinkling of the scarf portions as usually occurs adjacent the knot subsequent to the proper tying of the tie.

It will be noted that the plate 5 is of such a length as not to project at its ends beyond the proximate longitudinal edges of the scarf portions 1?), 40 and the entire form retainer when properly positioned will be entirely concealed from view.

Even though I have herein shown and described the preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the same is susceptible of further changes, modifications and improvements coming within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus describedmy invention, what I claim as new is:

1. A tie form or shape retainer comprising a substantially T-shaped body member ineluding a shank portion adapted to be inserted upwardly into the knot of a tied fourin-hand tie, together with a head portion for disposition between the front and rear scarf portions of the tie, and prongs on opposite faces of the head portion engaging the proximate scarf portions of the tie.

2. As a new article of manufacture, a tie shape retainer comprising a substantially T- shaped plate including a head portion provided on opposite faces thereof With penetrating prongs.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

ERNEST N. PET-TIT, J R. 

